25 September 2009, 09/217
Branch out and
plant a tree for free
You can help to make West Lancashire even greener by taking
advantage of the Council’s popular free tree scheme.
First launched in October 2008, the initiative was introduced to
boost the borough’s natural beauty, improve the environment and
attract more wildlife, especially as some of the areas woodlands
have disappeared over the years.
Last year it was a huge success, with more than 170 residents
taking up the Council’s offer to plant free trees. As a result it
is being launched again this year and the Council hopes that even
more people branch out and sign up to the scheme.
Residents who take part this year can choose one of two options,
they can either receive up to 10 small trees or choose to receive
one fruit tree. In both cases we will provide a useful guide
showing them how to plant and nurture the trees.
People can choose from a wide range of native species: Oak,
Scots Pine, Holly, Crab Apple, Birch, Mountain Ash, Hawthorn, and
Blackthorn. Alternatively, they can choose to have one fruit tree,
which will either be an eating apple or pear. All trees will be
around two to three years old, and about one metre high. They must
be planted in the Borough on land in their ownership or control and
they should be visible from the road or public footpath. An
undertaking must be made to look after the trees in future.
Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
"It was great to see such a positive response to our free tree
scheme last year, where more than 1,400 native British trees were
planted to make the area even more, leafy, green and attractive.
Due to the scheme’s popularity and the benefits it brings to the
environment, we have decided to launch it again and we are hoping
for a similar response. Even if you have only a little garden why
not take the option of a fruit tree and grow your own food. I’d
encourage the public to take advantage of this great offer and get
planting during this year’s National Tree Week from 25 November to
6 December."
Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:
"It was great to see such a positive response to our free tree
scheme last year, where more than 1,400 native British trees were
planted to make the area even more, leafy, green and attractive.
Due to the scheme’s popularity and the benefits it brings to the
environment, we have decided to launch it again and we are hoping
for a similar response. Even if you have only a little garden why
not take the option of a fruit tree and grow your own food. I’d
encourage the public to take advantage of this great offer and get
planting during this year’s National Tree Week from 25 November to
6 December."
Applications for free trees must be made before Friday 23rd
October 2009 . After that date, trees will be allocated and people
will be informed how and where to collect them. If demand exceeds
supply, restrictions may be placed on the number of free trees per
person.
How to find out more and apply for your free
trees:
Click: visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/freetrees where you can
apply online
Email: roland.jones@westlancs.gov.uk
for more information
Phone: 01695 585168 or 585114
Pick up: a copy of the Free Tree Scheme leaflet from the Council
Offices at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk or the CSP in
Skelmersdale.
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